Mayor of London Sadiq Khan condemns rising hate crime in passionate speech
Sadiq Khan has called for a zero tolerance attitude to hate crime in London at the PinkNews Awards.
He labelled the sharp rise in hate crimes recorded in the past year as “alarming”.
Mr Khan is the first Mayor of London to address the LGBT awards ceremony ceremony, speaking alongside prime minister Theresa May, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford.
The mayor told the PinkNews Awards: “Let me be clear, hate crime will not be tolerated anywhere in London. In London, you are free to be whoever you are happy, and safe.
“London is a warm, inclusive and welcoming place, and I’m grateful for all of your support over the last 16 months, not for me, but for all of us.
“London is open to all people regardless of race, gender and sexuality and open to love.”
The mayor also confirmed his backing for the annual pride.
Speaking at the awards Mr Khan said: “I am proud to be the first mayor ever to lead the first annual pride parade.
“I’m proud to have reinstated the pride reception at City hall, and proud to have published the first ever LGBT venue charter to protect and open LGBT venues in our city.
“Our aim is to safeguard its long term presence in the great city of the world.”
Mr Khan has been a long-time supporter of LGBT rights, both as an MP and Mayor of London.
The Muslim politician previously faced threats from within his own religion for his outspoken support for same-sex marriage.
Speaking at Pride in London 2017, Mr Khan condemned Donald Trump for his divisive rhetoric and failing to celebrate LGBT rights.
He told PinkNews: “My message to Donald Trump and others around the world who don’t recognise the huge contribution the LGBT+ community can make is to come to London and see the contribution they do make.
“They help make London the greatest city in the world. Economically, culturally and socially I want London to be a beacon for the rest of the world in how we do it.”
The mayor even wore a Philip Normal ‘MASC’ t-shirt at a reception for LGBT campaigners in City Hall earlier this year.
The PinkNews Awards celebrates the contributions of politicians, businesses, campaigners and community groups to improving LGBT+ life in the UK and beyond.
Opening the awards ceremony, British Prime Minister Theresa May said: ”
The PinkNews Awards is generously supported by Lloyds Banking Group
